Discover the brilliance of the 5-acre urban sanctuary Lurie Garden by attending hands-on family and
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Brush up on your knowledge of the unparalleled architecture, sculpture and landscape design that has
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Easily plan your visit with family and friends to one of Chicago’s top tourist destinations with a d
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Kenwood and neighboring Oakland are two communities rich in architectural history. Many well-preser
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Millennium Park, Chicago’s world-class showplace of architecture and the arts, opened in 2004 to qui
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Bounded by suburban Elmwood Park on the west and Oak Park on the south, these neighborhoods are prim
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The United Center – site of the 1996 Democratic National Convention and home of the Bulls, Blackhawk
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Lincoln Square’s German roots are still evident in its architecture, but these days it is known for
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This Northwest Side neighborhood was settled by immigrants from Poland, Germany, Russia, Czechoslova
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Once a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, North Lawndale is a community rife with history. Modern-da
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The sprawling Southeast Side encompasses four distinct communities – South Chicago, East Side, South
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Anchored by the 207-acre park that is its namesake centerpiece, Humboldt Park is the cultural and ec
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Washington Park, which borders the University of Chicago on the west, is home to the DuSable Museum
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The neighborhoods of West Pullman and Riverdale, on Chicago's southern border, are rife with both hi
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Not far from Grant Park and the lakefront, Printer's Row has become one of Chicago’s fastest-growing
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Three of the world’s finest museums - The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium - are
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The area encircled by the elevated "El" train tracks is known as 'the Loop' and has long been the he
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Just northeast of Midway International Airport, Archer Heights is a solid, working-class neighborhoo
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Chinatown is a rich tapestry of restaurants, businesses and shops, and home to much of the city's Ch
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The Chicago River forms the eastern boundary of these two former suburbs that were annexed to Chicag
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Few cities can boast a front yard as impressive as Chicago’s Grant Park, home of the Art Institute o
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An unbelievable variety of dining, nightlife, entertainment and shopping may be found around Rush &
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Morgan Park is a treasure trove of historic and architecturally significant homes. Designs by Frank
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This former fringe area has become one of the hottest residential, entertainment and shopping neighb
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The heart of Chicago's thriving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, Boystown l
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After the World's Columbian Exposition, developers promoted the South Shore as a vacation spot for w
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This ethnically diverse North Side lakefront neighborhood is the home of the historic Aragon Ballroo
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Bucktown's abundant night life and proximity to downtown, the Kennedy Expressway and the CTA Blue Li
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Covering some 500 acres along Lake Michigan south of 57th Street, Jackson Park is home to the Museum
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Avalon Park is a residential neighborhood of modest bungalows. It is a home to a retail strip of hig
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The classic Wrigley Field, constructed in 1914 and home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916, is the cente
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George M. Pullman, president of the Pullman Palace Car Company, built this planned community in the
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This area between North Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan contains luxurious apartment buildings and
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Bridgeport is a working-class neighborhood on the near South Side. Its former Irish and Eastern Euro
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True to its name, the Gold Coast has long been home to some of Chicago’s wealthiest residents, livin
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These two Northwest Side neighborhoods form part of Chicago’s “bungalow belt,” a swath of sturdy one
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The area immediately southwest of downtown became home to many Italian immigrants in the late 19th c
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Wicker Park is an architectural showplace of magnificent 19th century and Victorian mansions, abound
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Albany Park is considered one of the country’s most diverse zip codes. Adjacent North Park is a stro
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This affluent South Side neighborhood is is known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, beauti
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Formerly a sparsely populated industrial area, the South Loop is now home to a thriving community of
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The world-renowned University of Chicago, founded here in 1892 with money from John D. Rockefeller,
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Anchored by the Chicago Center for Green Technology, an “eco-industrial park” and the famed Garfield
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An upscale neighborhood of 19th-century townhouses homes and narrow, cobblestone streets, this Near
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Lakeview’s diverse dining, shopping and entertainment options offer a broad appeal to visitors and r
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These neighborhoods are home to four Chicago landmark districts featuring outstanding 19th century a
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Sauganash is an affluent community of larger single-family homes, these Northwest Side neighborhoods
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This neighborhood runs from Ashland Avenue to Sacramento Boulevard, between Division Street and Chic
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Englewood is one of Chicago’s comeback neighborhoods, thanks to a series of strategic public investm
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This residential neighborhood centers on the 36-acre Portage Park at Irving Park Road and Central Av
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These residential neighborhoods form a small peninsula that juts into the suburbs just west of Midwa
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Over the last two decades, the trendy bars, restaurants and shops of Lakeview and Lincoln Park have
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Pilsen is the heart and soul of Chicago’s large and energetic Mexican-American community. Along Pils
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Bordering Lake Michigan and suburban Evanston, Rogers Park is one of Chicago's most diverse neighbor
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Chicago’s downtown lakefront stretches from the Museum Campus on the south to the Oak Street Beach o
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West Ridge is perhaps best known for the wealth of Indian and Pakistani restaurants, retailers and e
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Close to 30,000 Greek Americans once lived in this Near West Side neighborhood. A thriving enclave o
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Just a brief ride north from the Loop on the CTA Red Line, Edgewater is an LGBT-friendly neighborhoo
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Logan Square is a classic Chicago historic neighborhood originally of Russian descent and is now a v
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Located in the far northwest corner of Chicago, Edison Park is a thriving residential community of b
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Like many Southwest Side neighborhoods, West Lawn grew rapidly after World War II, as new industries
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A treasure trove of historical and cultural landmarks and experiences, Bronzeville is a living monum
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Washington Heights and Roseland are two primarily residential neighborhoods situated in the far sout
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Brighton Park is home to a number of excellent, family-owned Mexican restaurants – no more expensive
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This Far South Side residential neighborhood of bungalows and two- and three-flat apartment building
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This pleasant Far Northwest Side neighborhood is the home of the 15,000-student Wilbur Wright Colleg
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First settled by Swedish immigrants, this North Side neighborhood is home to many Scandinavian resta
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Just north of the Loop and west of Michigan Avenue, this former warehouse district has become a chic
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Lincoln Park is home to the Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Peggy Notebaert Natur
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This South Side neighborhood’s name, history, and even its mere existence, are indelibly linked to t
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Chicago has more Mexican-American residents than any other U.S. city outside the Sun Belt, and many
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This former suburb boasts the one of the oldest houses in Chicago, the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House,
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A shopper’s dream come true, North Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street certainly li
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The ethnically diverse neighborhoods of Marquette Park and Gage Park are both named after beautiful
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This historic neighborhood, bordering Oak Park, was created in 1865 as an exclusive suburb and annex
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Ashburn grew rapidly after World War II, as returning GIs took jobs in Southwest Side industries and
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Chatham and its distinctive, triangle-shaped neighbor, Burnside, are two communities on the southeas
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City of Chicago
Discover Chicago’s cultures and neighborhoods on insider tours of the city. Uncover historic landmarks, authentic cuisines, and other hidden gems with over a dozen new excursions, including a microbrewery tour!
The public is invited to help shape Chicago's 2012 Cultural Plan by sharing their ideas at a series of town hall meetings and public forums held on February 15, 16, 18, and 21, 2012 in venues across the city.
Visit the Chicago Cultural Center’s groundbreaking new art exhibition showcasing over a thousand pieces from the collection of Richard Harris. These artworks and artifacts explore death, mortality and reactions to these subjects in art over the centuries.
It may be winter but summer festivals in Chicago are just around the corner. Taste of Chicago now brightens your July, Air & Water show fills the skies of August and September is jam packed with Jazz Festival and World Music. Chicago Blues Festival kicks it off June 8-10 in Grant Park.
Our blog highlights free events and thematic itineraries, from date night to family excursions.
Get Explore Chicago's latest updates on your tablet or phone with Google's free app.
Complete interactive challenges, from hopping on a bike to answering trivia.
Share your photos of Chicago in our Flickr pool, or browse photos taken by other photographers.
Instagrammers: Follow us on Instagram or @explorechicago on Twitter and tag your photos #iexplore
Discover hidden neighborhood gems as your earn four Foursquare badges.
A resident of Albany Park, Violet cherishes Chicago’s diverse music scene and many different neighbo
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This restaurant manager loves Marquette Park. Find out what he considers not-to-be-missed in this n
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Read about what Cameron likes best about the great city of Chicago!
Read why Surinder loves the culture and flavor of the Windy City.
Greeter since 2009, lives in Lakeview.
MJ shares her expertise on Chinatown, including her best bets for authentic Chinese food, dim sum, a
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Eric Allix Rogers’s photographs have captured 72 of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods on film.
Learn why Alan, a former travel writer, loves Chicago and makes this city his home.
Read about Jennifer's take on the vast array of entertainment options and diversity that make Chicag
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Greeter since 2011, lives in Downtown Chicago.
Greeter since 2010, lives in Lakeview.
Rob B., a librarian for the Chicago Public Library's McKinley Park branch, shares the hotspots in hi
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Greeter since 2010, lives in Andersonville.
Read what professional songwriter Jinja has to say about her hometown: Chicago.
Susie is a wardrobe stylist and mother who lives in West Town. She loves the summer and all the fun
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Greeter since 2010, lives in Edgewater.
Read about fashion designer Tennile's ultimate Chicago urban adventure!
Read why Angela, wine director at the Signature Room at 95th, loves Chicago in the summertime!
Lane, founder of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, dishes on his favorite Chicago traditions and act
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A foodie and photographer, Tammy’s photographs demonstrate why Chicago’s dining is so spectacular.
Robin spends her Chicago summers outdoors - see what else she loves about Chicago!
Kevin, member of the Chicago Tour Guide Professionals Association, loves to share his passion for Ch
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Check out Rory's favorite eats and visitor hotspots in Chicago!
Laurel grew up and now lives in Hyde Park. Read on to learn more about the hidden gems and go-to pla
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David’s photographs explore Chicago’s radically changing neighborhoods.
Find out why volunteer Chicago Greeter Joyce is proud to call Chicago home.
Kathy, a Logan Square resident, talks about her favorite ways to explore and live like a Chicagoan.
Egyptologist Emily shares her personal favorites about the Windy City.
Read why Karen loves her North Center neighborhood.
Living in Lakeview, Amy loves Chicago summers - read about her favorite summertime activity!
Z.J., President of the Chinese Cultural Institute, talks about his favorite spots in the Chinatown n
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Mell runs a B&B in Bronzeville. Learn his insights on the neighborhood and the many things he loves
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Ashley, a member of the Chicago Luvabulls, dishes on her favorite Chicago sports memories.
Goldsmith and jewelry designer Sieglinde loves her neighborhood: Bronzeville. Read why!
Lin, the morning DJ for WXRT FM, loves everything Chicago. Read his profile to learn why!
New to Chicago, designer Matt Vanderzalm explores his new city with camera in hand, capturing scenes
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Originally Texans, Christy and Trae explain why they fell in love with Chicago.
Jazz musician Josh discusses why he loves the West Town and Bucktown neighborhoods.
Read why Nancy loves living in the Lincoln Square neighborhood!
John owns a collectibles shop in Sauganash. Discover what he considers hidden gems in this tucked a
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Dan dishes on the best dining and kid-friendly attractions in the Windy City, particularly the Uptow
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As a young professional, Jenny loves all that Chicago has to offer!
A Chicago resident for over 15 years, Scott and his family enjoy all the activities and attractions
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A Chicago resident for 25 years, Michael enjoys all the activities and attractions that the Windy Ci
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Read why Andre, an artist and curator, loves the culture and flavor of the Windy City.
Greeter since 2011, lives in North Center.
Learn more about Lucia's favorite outdoor Chicago activities.
Crane operating engineer Ken takes photos of Chicago, offering a birds eye view of the diverse city.
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This creative professional is quite a brunch fan! Find out her favorite hotspots!
Learn more about Portage Park and read Chicago native Amie's favorite go-to spots in the neighborhoo
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Exploring Chicago by bike, Laurie’s photos of Chicago offer unique perspectives on the diverse city.
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Read what Philippe and his family love the most about Chicago!
Carol, owner of The Reading Clinic, discusses the best parts about living in the Gold Coast neighbor
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As an avid gardener, Rob has a unique perspective on the greenery in Chicago.
Read about playwright Phillip's favorite theater to take visitors in Chicago.
Greeter since 2008, lives in West Loop, retired.
Patti spends her Chicago summers outdoors - read what else she loves about her hometown!
Read about LEED Accredited Professional Dave's favorite sustainable Chicago entities.
Learn more about the Beverly neighborhood by reading Anbritt's take on the exciting activities to do
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Krista unveils Lincoln Park's best kept secrets, including some art hidden in plain view and must-vi
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Searah shares her favorite gems in the Andersonville and Rogers Park neighborhoods.
Joyce, an artist living in Lincoln Park, describes her favorite areas to bring visiting friends.
Manager of the Drake Hotel's Palm Court, Shaun loves all that Chicago has to offer; from the diversi
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Dennis, a former Chicago policeman, talks about his "See Chicago with a Cop" tours. Read on!
Architectural tour guide Ian discusses how the Windy City is home to the most unique architecture.
Chicago Greeter volunteer since 2002. He is a retired thoracic surgeon and member of the faculty of
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Tim lives and works in Pullman. See why he thinks the neighborhood is a special Chicago gem.
Jeff, a bookseller, gives his take on the best places to experience culture, food, and entertainment
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A food-lover's paradise, Chicago offers fine dining, ethnic restaurants and local staples like pizza
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Chicago is a very family-friendly city with museums, parks and fun attractions for kids of all ages.
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From small clubs to big free festivals, Chicago has something for every musical taste and interest.
Chicago’s rich and interesting past make for an exciting and engaging look at today’s modern city.
Small budgets are no problem in Chicago! Learn about museum free days and other low-cost entertainme
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Spectators and participants alike will enjoy all of Chicago’s exciting sports and recreation offerin
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Find out more about Chicago’s environmentally-friendly offerings, including green roofs, parks and c
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Chicago’s art museums, world-class theater and breathtaking architecture will definitely pique your
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Chicago is proud to be home to one of the world’s most active lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
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Chicago’s rich mixture of cultures and nationalities makes it a vibrant and exciting city. There are
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